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Abstract: Letters and documents obtained by H.H. Bancroft for his History of California,
relating mainly to Bonilla's career as justice and alcalde of San Luis Obispo, and to lands in southern
California, particularly those of the Mission San Miguel. A few papers of Manuel Larios also included.

Languages Represented: Collection materials are in Spanish

Information for Researchers

Access

Collection is open for research.

Publication Rights

Copyright has not been assigned to The Bancroft Library. All requests for permission to publish or
quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Public Services. Permission for
publication is given on behalf of The Bancroft Library as the owner of the physical items and is not
intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the
reader.

The greater part of Jose Mariano Bonilla's papers were lost in a storm. The few preserved here were
presented to The Bancroft Library in 1878 by his widow, Doña Dolores García
Bonilla. Also included are a few papers of Manuel Larios.

A chronological calendar and an index are appended.

Biographical Sketch

Bonilla, born in Mexico City in 1807, came to California in 1834 with the Hijar and Padres colony. He
held various responsible public offices in San Luis Obispo — alcalde, judge, and district
attorney. He died in 1878.

Acta de la declaracion de independencia de Mejico proclamada por la junta
gubernatorial ... Sept. 21, 1821. Also signed by many others.
Copy, in writing of Bonilla. Doc. 2-5

[Larios, Manuel, 1798-1865]

Draft of letter to the Comandante General de Artillería, listing his
experiences since 1815, and requesting to be relieved and assisted since a wound
received in 1819 renders one leg useless. Jan. 18, 1831. Doc.
32-33

Alvarado, Juan Bautista, 1809-1882

Passport, signed as governor of Alta California, Feb. 1, 1840,
for Juan Higuera to go to the Sandwich Islands. Also signed by Manuel Jimeno.
Doc. 44

Bonilla, José Mariano, 1807-1878

Document, written as Juez, San Luis Obispo, Dec. 1, 1842,
granting to Odon, an Indian, a house and small garden. Doc. 10-11

Draft of statement made before Juan Antonio Vallejo for power of attorney from
José María Castañares to Francisco Castañares.
Unsigned, Dec. 7, 1843. Written by Bonilla? Doc. 14-15

Jimeno Casarín, José Joaquín, 1804-1856

Certificate, Jan. 22, 1844, stating that José
María Aguile had worked for the Mission of Santa Inés in 1841, and
went to San Luis Obispo where he died, even though no record was made in the Book of
Burials. Doc. 16